{"id":712071,"date":"2026-06-18T19:33:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T19:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/712071\/"},"modified":"2026-06-18T19:33:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T19:33:16","slug":"7-tips-for-boosting-energy-with-major-depressive-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/712071\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips for Boosting Energy With Major Depressive Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"

Major depressive disorder (MDD)<\/a>, also referred to as depression or major depression, can make you feel drained, fatigued, and restless, but you can find ways to recharge when you live with this mental health condition. Alongside treatment, you can get back some spark by doing things you used to enjoy; even if you don\u2019t always feel like doing them at that moment, they can make your mood lighter.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis type of self-care<\/a> is important because depression management should not be solely about reducing symptoms but also about maintaining a satisfying and meaningful quality of life,\u201d says Cynthia Vejar, PhD<\/a>, a licensed professional counselor and an associate professor of clinical mental health counseling at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

While doing things to help you recharge won\u2019t replace treatments like therapy or medication, it can complement them. Below, learn simple tips for feeling more refreshed and energized when you have MDD.<\/p>\n

1. Flex Your Creativity MuscleCreativity of any kind can help you manage depressive symptoms.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u201cCreative outlets are important because the act of creating can provide a sense of mastery, accomplishment, meaning, and personal expression,\u201d says Dr. Vejar.Some creative options to try include:<\/p>\n

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Color in an adult coloring book.Write poetry or a short story.Take photos.Make collages from magazines.Paint with watercolors.Learn the lyrics to a new song and sing it.Try a simple knitting or crochet pattern.Bake cookies.2. Try a New HobbyTrying a new hobby can shake things up and improve your mood.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHobbies are meaningful because they allow people to tap into their passions and interests, which can be incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable,\u201d says Vejar.Having hobbies and opportunities to connect with others can help prevent the isolation that often feeds depression, says Karen Stewart, MD<\/a>, a psychiatrist and the chief of behavioral health at Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta. Look for groups in your community or online, like sports teams, walking groups, or book clubs \u2014 whatever sounds like something you\u2019d like to try.<\/p>\n

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3. Make and Use a Recharging KitWhen depression symptoms hit hardest, you may not know how to take steps toward feeling better. For these moments, pull out a prepacked box or basket filled with your favorite things. This recharging kit can include:<\/p>\n

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A favorite book or movieNotes of encouragement from loved onesUplifting sayings or quotesComforting photos of people you love or happy memoriesA cozy sweater, blanket, or socksDelicious snacks or drinksAn aromatherapy sachet with a calming scent like lavender4. Walk, Stretch, or DancePhysical activity<\/a> is one of the best ways to care for yourself with depression, says Arnold Gilberg, MD, PhD<\/a>, a psychiatrist at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. \u201cEven modest levels of exercise have an incredibly positive effect on both the mind and the body,\u201d says Dr. Gilberg.<\/p>\n

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To get your body moving, our experts recommend these options to start:<\/p>\n

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Take a walk around the block.Stretch your muscles for five minutes.Dance to your favorite tune.Try yoga or Pilates.Walk in place while you watch TV.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe key is to find what works for you,\u201d says Gilberg. \u201cFind the level and type of activity that makes you look forward to doing it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. Spend Time in NatureGetting out in the sun and breathing fresh air can help lighten your mood if you have depression.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSimple activities like gardening, listening to nature sounds, or sitting in the sun can lift your mood,\u201d says Dr. Stewart. (Don\u2019t forget to wear sunscreen.)\u201cSunlight helps your body produce vitamin D<\/a>, and low vitamin D levels have been linked to low energy and low mood,\u201d says Stewart.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0If you don\u2019t feel up to leaving your home, you can still get the benefit of sunlight and nature by sitting next to an open window.<\/p>\n

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6. Create a Self-Care Routine<\/p>\n

Stewart suggests scheduling activities that you do every day. \u201cDeveloping a simple self-care routine \u2014 like taking a shower, putting on clean clothes, making your bed, or tidying up your space \u2014 can help improve mood and create a sense of control,\u201d says Stewart.<\/p>\n

These small habits can become part of a routine<\/a> that keeps your mind active and helps lessen depressive symptoms, says Stewart. Creating routines around sleep habits and eating regular meals and snacks can also help.<\/p>\n

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Another healthy habit that you can add to your daily routine is a mindfulness<\/a> practice during which you pay attention, nonjudgmentally, to the present moment. This can help you stay engaged and relax.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0Activities like guided mindfulness meditation and keeping a gratitude journal can help you recharge, says Vejar.<\/p>\n

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7. Reach Out to Friends and Loved OnesTalking to someone you trust can help you feel better when you have depression.<\/p>\n

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Tell them how you feel and what\u2019s going on in your life.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI tell my patients to make a minimum of three calls per week and join at least one new group or club before our next session,\u201d says Gilberg. \u201cThe more you surround yourself with people with shared interests, the happier and less lonely you will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have anyone you can call today, that\u2019s okay \u2014 you have a lot of options for connection. Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n

If you are in emotional distress and don\u2019t know who to call, reach out to a free and confidential helpline:<\/p>\n

How to Get StartedYou can start with any of the tips above and see what you like. Try keeping a mood diary to track how you feel before and after each activity.<\/p>\n

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Just because something didn\u2019t boost your mood after one try doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t help you, says Vejar. Instead, ask yourself, “Did this support me, even a little?” says Vejar.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink of self-care as one of your best survival skills and one of the best ways to build satisfaction in your life,\u201d says Stewart. \u201cYou deserve simple pleasures, and self-care can help foster that.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Major depressive disorder (MDD), also referred to as depression or major depression, can make you feel drained, fatigued,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":712072,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[97,259,260],"class_list":["post-712071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mental-health","tag-health","tag-mental-health","tag-mentalhealth"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/712071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=712071"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/712071\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/712072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=712071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=712071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=712071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}